Ideas and activities to celebrate educators near and far during Teacher Appreciation Week.

Each day, teachers make a difference in their communities and the lives of their students. That impact is far reaching; the result of tremendously talented individuals who go above and beyond their job descriptions. During the week of May 7-11, take time to recognize and celebrate educators in their many roles across the country.

"If I Could Teach You, Teacher"

By Joanna Fuchs

If I could teach you, teacher, I'd teach you how much moreyou have accomplished than you think you have. I'd show you the seeds you planted years ago that are now coming into bloom. I'd reveal to you the young minds that have expanded under your care, the hearts that are serving others because they had you as a role model. If I could teach you, teacher, I'd show you the positive effect you have had on me and my life. Your homework is to know your value

Honoring teachers can take on many forms and may come from students, parents, colleagues, administrators and the community. This week-long event is a terrific time to share about the educators in your life as well as to take time out to appreciate yourself and the difference you make in the world.

Crafts are a creative way to give a heartfelt gift. In the past, my class loved making something unique for their special teachers.

Pencil holders and decorative containers can be made from a number of easy to collect materials. Juice cans, small flower pots, mason jars, and large cardboard tubes make a perfect foundation for decoration. Young artists can then glue unsharpened pencils or crayons vertically along the entire circumference of the container. To finish off the craft, tie a ribbon around the top. Alternatively, paint or collage materials can be used to decorate the containers as well.

Picture framesares are a thoughtful way to say thank you. There are many ways to create these; one that I enjoy requires cardstock, glue, tempera paint or stamp ink, and a small magnet. Thick cardstock available at craft stores can be cut into a heart, rectangle or any other desired shape. You will need two of the same size. Next, cut a hole or picture window in one of the shapes. Before affixing the backdrop and front of the frame, the class can decorate their frames by using colorful thumb or fingerprints. To complete the project, glue the two cardstock pieces together except at the top so you can slide a picture inside and affix a small magnet on the back.

Bookmarks are a sweet and simple project that can be approached in a multitude of ways. My class enjoyed walking the grounds to collect small leaves and flowers. Then, using clear contact paper they carefully placed their collected items and a small message or poem on one half of the contact paper. When they were happy with the placement, they folded the empty side over the top to create a sealed bookmark. I always helped them smooth out air bubbles and place the bookmark under a textbook for the day to make sure it was sealed and flat.

Use an old picture frame to create a fun new mini chalkboard. This project includes directions and a detailed materials list. While specific to creating a teacher ready gift, this could be used to create student chalkboards as well.

Painting a clay pot is relaxing and produces a great desk accessory for any teacher. Using the colors and patterns laid out in this craft, the end product is reminiscent all of the joys of grade school.